Steel shelving



J1me 19665 I. J. FERDINAND ETAL 3,255,722

STEEL SHELVING 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 12, 1963 FIG.|

J1me 1966 l. J. FERDINAND ETAL 3,255,722

STEEL SHELVING 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 12, 1965 A mm D Du E F J w Wm June 14, 1966 1. J. FERDINAND ETAL 3,255,722

STEEL SHELVING' Filed Sept. 12, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 MIN 22 FIG. I?)

INVENTORS'. IRWIN J. FERDINAND DLE RAYMOND LOPATKA i 4 k. L ATT'Y UnitedStates Patent 3,255,722 STEEL SHEINING Irwin J. Ferdinand, Glencoe, andDale Raymond Lopatka, Glenview, lit, assignors to S. A. Hirsh Mfg. (10.,Sltoltie, Ill, a corporation of Illinois Fiied Sept. 12, 1963, Ser. No.308,533 33 Claims. (Cl. 108144) This application is acontinuation-in-part of our copending application Serial No. 229,355,filed October 9, 1962, now abandoned, which in turn is acontinuation-inpart of our co-pending application Serial No. 184,045,filed April 2, 1962, now abandoned, and incorporates claims allowed inour later continuation-in-part application Serial No. 368,634 of thisapplication, which later application was filed May 19, 1964, and is nowabandoned.

This invention relates in general to steel shelving and moreparticularly to fabricated lightweight shelving that is adjustablyfastened on supporting columns for ready positioning and removal underrigidifying conditions without bracing struts.

Heretofore, steel shelving has generally involved considerable hazarddue to sharp edgesand corners, as well as undesirable mechanicalcomplexity, requiring numerous motions and expense in assembling andfastening the shelving to the supporting columns.

Accordingly, the invention contemplates a steel shelving constructionwherein the outlines of the shelves are sturdy and attractive with nosharp edges, and utilizes a simple, rigid and adjustable fasteningconstruction between the shelves and the supporting columns.

The invention is further characterized wherein a shelf is secured to asupporting column having substantially U- shaped configuration with thesurfaces of the column contacting each shelf in multiple vertical linesof contact at right angles to each other under pressures rigidifying theassembly solely at the shelf levels.

Also, the invention provides a steel shelving construction whereinsharply squared corner edges are rigidly held and protectively clampedagainst the supporting columns by concealed, but readily manipulatedfastening elements, disposed within the confines of the supportingcolumns.

Another salient feature of the improved shelving construction of thisinvention includes reinforcing ribs formed in the supporting columns toprovide additional reinforcement to the supporting columns and toprovide an engaging surface for the fastening element at right angles toone another.

The invention also contemplates a fastening clip assembled to a shelfwith a single movement and releasably retained in three planes at thecorner junctures of the shelf to rigidify the corner structure, and incombination with a nut and bolt arrangement, to clamp the shelf to thesupporting columns with a rigidity that dispenses with side swaybrackets.

Another feature of the fastening clip of this invention is one in whichsecurement at the corner of a shelf, the strength and the rigidity ofthe corner and its securement to the supporting column is greatlyenhanced as the weight supported on the shelf is increased.

The invention is also characterized by a shelf and sup porting columnconstruction which can be compacted for shipping in a spacesubstantially the area of the shelf and one half the sum of thethicknesses of the shelves supplied.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. The formation,inter-relationship, and securement of the steel shelving construction ofthis invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof,may

best be understood by reference to the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures ofwhich like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a steel shelf constructionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the shelf which issecured to the supporting columns;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged front perspective view of one corner ofthe shelf; I

FIG. 4 is ,a perspective View of the fastening clip;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fasteningclip;

FIG. 6 is a perspecitve view of a further embodiment of the fasteningclip;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the relationshipof the shelf shown in FIG. 3 when in the secured position held by thefastening clip of FIG. 4 against a supporting column;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the relationshipof the shelf shown in FIG. 3 when in the secured position held by thefastening clip of FIG. 5 against a supporting column;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the relationshipof the shelf shown in FIG. 3 when in the secured position held by thefastening clip of FIG. 6 against a supporting column;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary partially sectioned view illustrating thesecured relationship of abutting shelves with a supporting column;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the clip of the embodiment ofFIG. 6 illustrating the relationship of the. clip support within theshoulder of the shelf;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the supporting column connector;and

FIG. 13 is a top view of the supporting column connector shown inassembled relationship within the supporting column.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the shelf 10,preferably formed from sheet metal and coated, is secured at its fourcorners to the supporting columns 12. The shelf 16 is preferablyrectangular and has an upper planar surface or top portion 18 withcontiguous depending peripheral side flanges 20 and end flanges 22. Thesideand end flanges 20 and 22 define the features of the shelf andgreatly increase the strength and rigidity of the shelf for load bearingpurposes.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the side flanges 20 provide a substantially Lshaped configuration having an outer portion 24 with the lower marginaledge 26 thereof reversely bent providing a lower portion 28 parallel tothe planar portion 318 and with the periphery 26 thereof in a spacedparallel relationship with the outer portion 24. Preferably, the upperedge of the side flanges 20 are upwardly offset from the plane of theshelf, as at 30, to provide a shoulder 32 which prevents inward movementof the outer portion 24- under load conditions. The raised elevation ofshoulder 32 also serves as a low rail to hold articles on the shelves.

The end flanges 22 also provide an L shaped configuration having anouter portion 34 with the lower marginal portion reversely bent backupon itself to provide a lower portion 36 of double thickness with theextreme marginal edge of the flange in parallel surface contact with theinner surface of the outer portion 34. The end flanges do not provide aportion elevated above the planar portion 18 since. it is oftendesirable to place several shelves into an end to end abuttingrelationship.

Each of the four corners of the shelf are notched out to provide arecessed opening 38 defined by an end flange edge 40 and side flangeedge 42. Each of the recessed openings 38 receive an angular portion ofa supporting column to secure the shelf to the column as will bedescribed.

A fastener securing aperture 44 is formed through the lower portion 28of the side flanges at a predetermined distance from the edge 42defining the recessed opening. A similar fastener securing aperture 46is formed through the lower portion 36 of the end flange 22 at apredetermined distance from the edge 40 and an aperture 48 is formed inthe planar portion 18 adjacent the inner corner of the recessed opening38. Aperture 48 may be eliminated when using clips illustrated in FIG.6. The apertures 44, 46 and 48 are preferably elongated to receiverectangular tabs on a fastening clip to be described.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 7 and 10, the supportingcolumns 12 comprise a strip of heavy metal formed to provide an openchannel configuration having identical outwardly extending sides 50 and52 connected by a rear wall 54 and perforated at their junctures with aplurality of equally spaced apertures 56 to permit vertical adjustmentof the shelves, preferably at one inch intervals.

The sides 50 and 52 and rear wall 54 of the supporting columns haveconcaved ribs 58 formed therein at predetermined laterally spacedintervals to increase the strength and rigidity of the column and toprovide a bearing surface for the head portion of a fastening bolt to bedescribed. The rear wall also contains apertures at both ends for thepurpose of allowing vertical attachment of end-abutting supportingcolumns.

The outwardly extending edge portion of the side walls 50 and 52 of thechannel shaped support columns are angularly contoured to provide aconvex rib 68 with the edge of the side Walls bent inwardly to form alip portion 62 substantially parallel to the rear wall 54. The lipportion 62, in addition to greatly increasing the strength and rigidityof the support columns, eliminates outwardly extending sharp edgedsurfaces, partially conceals the fastening bolts and, as set forth inour co-pending application Serial No. 184,045, previously referred to,may be used to retain a cover strip of any suitable design in theposition represented by dotted lines 62a.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, a fastening clip 64 of thefastening arrangement 14 is preferably formed from a heavy metal strip.The clip 64 provides a planar portion 66 having identical wing portions68 and 70 angularly formed at both ends thereof preferably at 45 to theplane. A stiffening flange 72 is formed on the lower edge of the bodyportion 66 by severing the body portion in two places and bending thesection therebetween at a right angle to the body portion where it notonly serves as a manipulating handle but also serves as a nut stop. Wingportions 68 and 70 extend a substantial distance past the lower edge ofthe body portion 66 to define tab members 74 and 76. Camming surfaces 86and 88 are provided on the inside of tabs 74 and '76 where they areinclined toward the ends of the tabs to direct and guide an angledinsertion of the tabs snugly into slots and position the ends of thetabs properly in the apertures 44 and 46 when the clamp is assembled tothe shelf.

The upper edge portion 90 of the planar body 66 is bent slightly in thedirection of the support columns and includes a centrally located tab 78received in aperture 48 of the shelf for stressing the shelf towards thecolumn. An aperture 81 is centrally formed through the body portion 66for alignment with the aperture 56 in thhe supporting columns when theclip 64 is properly positioned in the shelf ready for securement. Thissecurement is best shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 wherein clip 64 isresiliently held to each of the corner portions of the shelves-10 and abolt 80 is inserted through both apertures 56 and 81 to receive the nut82 which is held against turning by flange 72.

Suflicient clearance around the hole 81 is provided so that the bolt 80can be initially canted enough for the nut 82 to be started andthreadably engage the bolt a short distance before the flange 72 becomeseffective to hold it against turning while the bolt is being furthertightened.

To install the clip 64 in the corner of the shelf, the clip is held inan angular position and tabs 74 and 76 are introduced into the apertures44 and 46 respectively in the side flanges 20 and 22. The clip is thenbrought square to the plane 18 of the shelf 10 and this forces the tab78 into alignment and into aperture 48 in the top of the shelf 10.

Since the side and end flanges 20 and 22 and the planar portion 18 flexwith respect to one another at the corner juncture, the tabs '74 and 76and flanges are forced into a snug relationship in which they are lockedby the tab 78 when it snaps home in aperture 48. There is sufficientflexing of these members to permit the tab 78 to be easily moved intoand held in this ultimate position. As best seen in FIG. 10, the clip 64when in position is diagonally disposed between the side and end flangeswith the wing portions in the plane of the flanges and as seen in FIG.7, the uppermost edge 65 of the clip 64 supports the planar portion 18of the shelf adjacent the recessed openings 38.

FIG. 5 discloses another embodiment 64a of clip 64 of the fasteningarrangement 14. The clip is preferably formed from a heavy metal strip,and provides a planar body portion 66a, a narrow web portion 94a atright angles to the body portion 66a, which not only serves as a platestiffener, but also as a nut stop. Another planar body portion 96a isformed at right angles to the web portion 94a and is parallel to andextending away from body portion 66a. Flange portion 72a is formed by aright angle bend to portion 96a parallel to and doubling back' on webportion 940, and forms the bottom of the clip. The bottom 72a extendsbeyond the sides of the body portion 66a of the clip and at bothextremities has bent up tabs 74a and 76:: disposed at right angles tothe bottom 72a and preferably at 45 to the plane of body portion 66a.The tabs 74a and 76a have a camming edge 86a and 88a which serve asguides for the tabs when the clip is slipped into position and arenotched at a and 87a on their remote edges to prevent unintentionalrelease. The upper portion 906: is at the top of the body portion 66aand disposed preferably at right angles to portion 66a in the samedirection as web portion 94a. Extending from the surface 90a and at anacute angle with the top thereof is formed another tab 78 which engagesaperture 48 in shelf 10 and when assembled stresses the shelf toward thesupporting column 12. An aperture 81 is centrally formed through thebody portion 66a for alignment with the aperture 56 in the supportcolumn when the clip 64a is properly positioned in the shelf. referringto FIG. 8, clip 64a as disclosed by FIG. 5, is securely held in eachcorner of the shelf by the notched tabs 74a and 76a and a bolt 80 isinserted through both apertures 56 and 81 to receive the nut 82 which isheld against turning by the web portion 94a.

To assemble, all tabs (74a, 76a and 78) are aligned with theircorresponding apertures (46, 44 and 48) in the shelves and are thenforced into the apertures. As all tabs enter their apertures from thesame direction, a single force in that direction will secure the clip.When in position, body portion 66a is diagonally disposed between theside and the end flanges with tabs 74a and 76a in the plane of theflanges and the uppermost surface 90a supporting the planar portion 18of the shelf adjacent to the recessed opening 38.

FIG. 6 discloses another embodiment of clip 64 of the fasteningarrangement 14. The clip 64b, also preferably formed from a heavy metalstrip, has a planar body portion 66b having an upper portion 90b formedat right angles to the portion 66b, a lower portion 72b also formed atright angles to 6612 and in the same direction as portion 90b andparallel to it. Two relationships of elements are contemplated in whichone is the mirror of the other where the shelf flanges differ. One willbe described of the flanges.

wherein body portion 66b has two right angle bends forming a narrowportion 94b that serves as a plate stiffener and also a nut stop. Bothportions 72b and 99b extend beyond the body portion 66b of the clip. Atthe ends of portion 72b tabs 74b and 7 6b are bent toward portion 90b.Tabs 74b and 7612 are disposed at an angle of about 45 to the planarsurface 661) so they lie in the same plane as the shelf flanges whileportion 66b extends diagonally to the flanges 2t and 2. The internaledge of tabs 74b and 761) have camming surfaces 86b and 88b to serve asguides and draw the flanges and clip tightly together. At the base ofthe surfaces 86b and 88b spaces 85b and 87b are notched out to provideshoulders which hold the clip in place when assembled.

Portion 90b of the clip has a bearing surface at either end which servesto stress the shelf in the direction of the supporting column therebyinsuring rigidity when bolt 80 is tightened. The edge 92b at one end ofthe upper portion 9% serves as a bearing surface engaging in the cornerbetween the top plane 18 and side flange 22 of the shelf 10, and theother end of the upper portion 90b is constructed to engage in the uppercorner contour of the top portion 18 and side flange 2d of the shelf Inthis particular instance the bearing portion 78b is offset from theportion 90b and formed at right angles to it. Both bearing members aredisposed at approximately 45 to the plane of portion 66b. An aperture 81is centrally formed through the body portion 66b for alignment with theapertures 56 in the support column when the clip 64b is properlypositioned in the shelf.

Referring to FIG. 9, clip 64b as disclosed by FIG. 6 is securely held ineach corner of the shelf by the notched tabs 74b and 76b. To assemble,tabs 74b and 76b are aligned with the corresponding apertures 46 and 44in the shelves, with bearing portion 78b on the side of the shelf havingthe shoulder 32, as shown in FIG. 11. The tabs are forced throughapertures by pressure thereon towards the shelf top 18. The cammingsurfaces @612 and 38b draw the sides inwardly under stress and they snapback into the spaces 85b and 87b when reached whereby portion 66b isdiagonally disposed between the side and end flanges with tabs 74b and76b in the plane Surface 9% supports planar shelf surface 18 adjacent tothe recessed opening 38 and added support is offered by surface 72bwhich supports the flange surface adjacent to the recessed opening 38.

Referring to all three embodiments as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, oncethe clip 64 is properly positioned in the corner of the shelf, shelf 10is clamped to the supporting column 12 by a nut 82 and bolt 89combination. A bolt 80 is inserted through one of the apertures 56 inthe supporting column and the aperture 81 in the fastener clip 64 andthreadably engages a nut 82. Referring to FIG. 7, the nut 8-2 afterbeing started on the bolt is secured thereafter against rotation byphysical engagement with the retaining plate 72 as the bolt is rotated,and with surfaces 94a in FIG. 8 and 94b in FIG. 9 serving the samepurpose, thus necessitating the use of only a screwdriver to completethe installation. The head portion 84 of the bolt fit) bears against thecontoured surfaces of the concaved ribs 58 in a side wall and rear wallof the support column as the drawing force of the nut and boltcombination forces the end edges of the end and side flanges, definingthe recessed opening 38, into solid abutting contact with the side walland rear wall of the supporting column. By disposing and clamping allcontacting abutting surfaces normal to one another, the shelf is rigidlysecured to the supporting column against movement in any plane and thewide spread of the mating edges and sides, due to their rectangularconfiguration, permits considerable force to be extended over a widespread area giving exceptionally good stability and rigidity to theinterconnection of the shelf 10 with the supporting column 12.

To facilitate handling and shipping, the supporting columns aremanufactured in lengths equal to or less than the length of the shelvesand are connected upon assembly of the shelves to provide the full sizeshelving arrangement of FIG. 1. The supporting column connecting deviceis best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13. The connector 57 is characterized by amodified U shaped channel configuration preferably formed from a heavymetal strip. It provides a planar portion 59 having identical wingportions 61 and 63 preferably bent at 45 to portion 59 to give addedstrength to the planar portion 59, and identical portions 67 and 69extending from the wings at 45 and perpendicular to the base 59 whichalso increase the rigidity of the connector and follow the insidecontour of the supporting column.

When assembled to the supporting columns, rear portion 59 of theconnector bears against the back wall 54 of the two abutting supportcolumns, and portions 65 and 67 of the connector lie in the same planeas side walls 50 and 52. They serve to prevent rotation about thejuncture and offsetting of their end edges at the juncture while at thesame time stiffening the joint against deflection. Each connector 57 issecured to overlap the abutting ends of the supporting columns by a bolt'77 and nut 79 arrangement, the bolt passing through aperture 75 of thecolumn then through aperture 71 located in portion 59 of the connector.The nut 79 will bear against rear portion 59 and is of such size thatwhen the bolt 77 is turned the nut 79 will be prevented from turning bycontact with wing portions 61 and 63 of the connector, thereby requiringthe use of only a screwdriver for assembly.

Wing portions 61 and 63 of the connector bear against the reinforcingconcave ribs 58 of the support column and contain apertures 73 whichwill be aligned with apertures 56 of the support column to permit bolt80 to pass through both apertures and allow the shelves to be attachedthroughout the length of the connected supporting columns including thearea of the connector. The placing of a shelf at the juncture of thesupporting columns will tend to further strengthen and rigidify theconnection.

To assemble, the connector must enter a supporting column through an endand be slid into position of bolt aperture alignment. The wing portions67 and 69 hearing against the side walls 50 and 52 of the supportingcolumn will hold the connector in place while the other adjoiningsupporting column is slid over the extending part of the connector untilit abuts the first column. All apertures should then be in line andready to receive bolt 77 for securement.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that a shelving construction hasbeen provided which may be readily set up into a rugged, rigid form andsecurely held in such form with a minimum of time, effort and tools. Byproviding a fastening clip 64 that is secured in position by the threemutually perpendicular planes of the side and end flanges and the planarsurface of the shelf, not only will the corner portions of the shelvesbe greatly increased in strength and rigidity, but the drawing forcecreated, as the bolt 80 is threaded into the nut 82, will be equallydistributed between the adjacent end and side flanges and the planarsurface of the shelf rigidifying the clamping of the shelf to thesupport column. Further, when the fastening clip 64 is snapped intoposition at the corner of the shelf, securement against subsequentdisengagement of the clip and rigidity of the corner is greatly enhancedas the weight on the shelf increases.

It is further readily understood that the recessed openings 38 not onlyaid in providing alignment, engagement and stability to the shelvingconstruction, but the ends of each flange are cut back a distanceslightly greater than the thickness of the flange normal thereto so thatthe shelves may be placed bottom to bottom with the flanges meeting inthe offset relationship with the support columns packed diagonally ofthe shelves therebetween, to form a compact, easily packaged unit inwhich the components are interlocked against slipping or sliding.

Additionally, the angular configuration of the side flanges function asa supporting beam for the width of the shelf and in conjunction with thecontoured supporting columns and the simple fastening arrangement, anexceptionally lightweight shelving unit is provided capable ofsupporting weight in excess of that expected of a heavier shelvingconstruction.

The construction herewith described and disclosed may be utilized innumerous applications and in a variety of specific structures, while itsease of manufacture and assembly, its clean and attractive outline andfreedom from exposed edges make it particularly useful in allinstallations where metal shelving is currently in use.

What is claimed is:

1. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending side flanges andend flan es, said side flanges and end flanges terminating in squareends a spaced distance from each other at the corners of the shelf todefine recessed shelf corners,

said flanges having vertically oriented apertures therein spaced fromsaid square ends,

cross-sectionally identical vertical support columns having parallellaterally extending side portions interconnected by a cross wallreceived in said recessed shelf corners against the square en'dedflanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through columns at thejunctures of said side portions and interconnecting wall,

connector means fitting internally in the supporting columns forvertical connection thereof end to end in abutting weight bearingrelationship,

a fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening at the corner thereof and terminallyengaging in said flange apertures at a right angle to said flanges, saidfastening clip having a formed aperture intermediate said flangeengagements in alignment with one of the vertically spaced apertures inthe support columns, and

releasable securing means rigidly securing the shelf to the supportcolumn interconnecting the column and fastening clip at said alignedapertures for securing the shelf rigidly to said support column throughsaid formed aperture with said squared ends under stress squaring theflanges to the column.

2. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending side flanges andend flanges, said side flanges and end flanges at each cornerterminating in planar edges disposed at right angles to each other andspaced from each other to define recessed shelf corners,

said flanges having apertures therein spaced from said planar edges,

vertical support columns having parallel side portions interconnected bya cross wall and received in said recessed shelf corners against theplanar edges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through the columns atthe junctures of said side portions and interconnecting wall,

a fastening clip disposed beneath and engaging the planar surface of theshelf adjacent the recessed opening at the corner thereof and extendingdirectly between and terminally engaging in said flange apertures atright angles to said flanges, said fastening clip having an apertureintermediate said flange engagements in alignment with one of thevertically spaced apertures in the support columns, and

releasable securing means rigidly securing the shelf to the supportcolumn interconnecting the column and fastening clip at said alignedapertures for securing the shelf flanges rigidly against said supportcolumn walls through said aperture with said planar edge under stresssquaring the flanges to the column.

3. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending side flanges andend flanges, said side flanges and end flanges terminating in squareends a spaced distance from each other at the corners of the shelf todefine recessed shelf corners,

said flanges having apertures therein spaced from said square ends,

said planar portion having an aperture therein intermediate said flangeapertures at each corner,

vertical support columns having parallel outwardly extending sideportions interconnected by a cross wall received in said recessed shelfcorners against the square ended flanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through columns at thejunctures of said side portions and interconnecting wall,

a fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening at the corner thereof engaging in saidplanar portion aperture and terminally engaging in said flange aperturesat right angles with respect thereto, said fastening clip havinga formedaperture intermediate said flange engagements in alignment with one ofthe vertically spaced apertures in the support columns, and

releasable securing means rigidly securing the shelf to the supportcolumn interconnecting the column and fastening clip at said alignedapertures for securing the shelf rigidly to said support column throughsaid formed aperture with said squared ends under stress squaring theflanges to the column.

4. In a metal shelving assembly having a shelf with tubular flanges withapertures therein and a support column with two walls at a right anglewith respect to each other,

an integral shelf retaining clip having an intermediate planar wallportion with an aperture therethrough,

an offset member forming a shoulder spaced from and facing said apertureto reinforce said intermediate portion and support a threaded elementagainst rotation concentric With said aperture,

end portions extending beyond said offset member and disposed at anangle with respect thereto and in planes normal to each other forinsertion into said flange apertures,

cam means along opposite edges of said end portions passing through saidflange apertures to engage said flanges at adjacent ends of said flangeslots and draw the flanges towards each other at said flange aperturesduring insertion in the apertures, and

means interlocking with said shelf for holding said end portions in saidflange apertures under tension established in said flanges by said endportions.

5. The construction called for in claim 4 in which said securing meansincludes hook elements beyond said cam means engaging said flanges atsaid apertures in latching relationship engageable and releasable in avertical direction.

6. The construction called for in claim 4- in which an upper part ofsaid intermediate portion engages the lower side of the shelf in weightsupporting relationship.

7. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending peripheralopposing side flanges and end flanges, said side flanges and end flangesterminating a spaced distance from each other at the corners of theshelf defining recessed openings,

a plurality of support columns, each having parallel side portionsinterconnected by a wall, one of said side portions engaging one of saidside flanges and the wall engaging one of said end flanges of the shelfat a corner, and

with said side portions against said side flanges and said end flangesagainst said Wall under a stress squaring each to the otherrespectively; and

in which the flanges have apertures therein, and

said securing means includes a shelf retaining clip having anintermediate planar wall portion with an aper ture therethroughcomprising an offset member forming a shoulder spaced from and facingsaid aperture to reinforce said intermediate portion against forcesnormal thereto and hold a nut against rotation,

end portions extending beyond said offset member and disposed at anangle with respect thereto and in planes normal to each other forinsertion into said flange apertures,

cam means along opposite edges of said end portions to engage saidflanges at adjacent ends of said flange slots to draw the flangestowards each other at said flange apertures during insertion in theapertures, and

means interlocking with said shelf for holding said end portions in saidflange apertures under tension established in said flanges by said endportions.

8. In a metal shelving assembly,

a shelf having a planar article supporting shelf portion and a pluralityof depending peripheral flanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned at their adjacent ends inpredetermined spaced relationship at a corner of the shelf to define avertically extending recessed opening,

a support column having parallel sides interconnected by a rear walldisposed in a predetermined angular relationship complementary to saidadjacent ends of said pair of flanges,

a plurality of verticallyspaced apertures formed in the support columndisposed in registration with said recessed opening, and I securingmeans including an angular clip having an aperture centrally formedtherethrough and vertically extending tab portions formed thereonreceived in said flanges and in engagement with said planar shelfportion adjacent the recessed opening in weight supporting relationship,and a threaded member extending through one of the apertures of thesupport column and the aperture in said clip, said threaded memberengaging a threaded element carried by the clip to rigidly clamp theends of the shelf flanges endwise to the support column.

9. In a vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly:

a horizontal shelf having an article supporting planar shelfportion'w-ith depending side and end flanges terminating a predetermineddistance from the corner defining a recessed opening and leavingapertures therethrough proximate to the opening, supporting columnshaving parallel extending side walls interconnected by and perpendicularto a rear wall,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed in the support columnat the juncture of said side walls and rear wall,

ribs formed convexly in both the side walls .and rear wall of saidsupporting column,

two apertures formed in the rear wall of said supporting column apredetermined distance from each end,

a fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed openings at the corners thereof comprising, aplanar body portion with symmetrically identical wing portions extendingfrom each side,

said wing portions extending below the body to form tabs which engage insaid apertures in the flanges for correct positioning and securement ofthe clip, a tab centrally located on the planar body portion whichengages an aperture in the article supporting portion of the shelf,

said central portion of the body of the clip having an aperture locatedtherein for alignment with the apertures of the supporting column and aflange formed from the body portion of the clip at right angles thereto,and

, threaded means extending through one of the apertures of thesupporting column and the aperture of said clip to rigidly clamp theshelf to the supporting column.

It. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flange-s being aligned in a predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening,

said flanges having an L-shaped configuration including an outer portionand a lower inwardly directed portion,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flangesadjacent the recessed opening,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall in a predetermined angular relationshipcomplementary to said flanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through the junctureof said extending side portions with the rear wall,

an integral shelf retaining clip having an intermediate planar wallportion with an aperture therethrough,

an offset member forming a shoulder spaced from and facing said apertureto reinforce said intermediate portion and hold a nut against rotation,

end portions extending beyond said offset member and disposed at anangle with respect thereto and in planes normal to each other forinsertion into said flange apertures,

cam means along opposite edges of said end portions to engage saidflanges at adjacent ends of said flange slots to draw the flangestowards each other at said flange apertures during insertion in theapertures, and

means interlocking with said shelf for holding said end portions in saidflange apertures under tension established in said flanges by said endportions, and

a releasable securing means engaging said column and said fastening clipto rigidly clamp the shelf to the supporting column.

11. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending peripheralopposing side flanges and end flanges terminating a spaced distance fromeach other at each corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening,

said side and end flanges having an L-shaped configuration including anouter portion and a lower portion,

first retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the endflanges adjacent the recessed opening, a fastening clip having anaperture centrally formed therethrough including a body portionterminated at each in portions disposed at right angles thereto, saidportions comprising an upper portion having a flat supporting surface, abearing surface, and an ear bent upwardly from the portions, and a lowerportion containing retaining tabs bent upwardly from the portion, saidfastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelf adjacentthe recessed opening, said retaining tabs on said fastening clipengaging said first apertures and the supporting surfaces supporting theplanar surface of the shelf adjacent the recessed opening and said earaligned with the shoulder portion of the shelf providing support andstiffening of the shoulder,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall,

a plurality of vertically spaced securing apertures formed through thejuncture of said extending side portions with the rear wall, and twoapertures formed in the rear wall at both ends of the supporting column,

a connector having a planar rear portion with identical angularlyextending side wing portions containing apertures in said wing portionswhich align with securing apertures in the supporting column andapertures in the rear portion which align with apertures in rear wall ofsupporting column,

a means of rigidly securing said connector with vertical abuttingsupporting columns, and

a releasable securing means engaging said column and said fastening clipto rigidly clamp the shelf to the supporting column.

12. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned in a predetermined spacedrelationship at one corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening,

said flanges having an L-shaped configuration including an outer portionand a lower inwardly directed portion,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flangesadjacent the recessed openings,

a fastening clip having an aperture formed centrally therethroughincluding a body portion having an upper supporting portion extending atright angles therefrom and a lower portion also extending at rightangles from the body,

said upper portion containing bearing surfaces at the extremitiesthereof,

said lower portion containing upwardly bent self-locking retaining tabs,

said body portion containing a narrow web flange in the lower portionthereof, said fastening clip being disposed beneath the planar surfaceof the shelf adjacent the recessed opening and having retaining tabsengaging in the retaining apertures in the flanges with the bearingsurfaces of the upper portion stressing the shelf towards the supportingcolumn,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall having aperture and disposed in apredetermined angular relationship complementary to said'flanges, saidside portions and rear wall having laterally spaced concaved ribs formedthe length thereof,

a plurality of vertically spaced securing apertures formed through thejunctures of said extending side portions with the rear wall,

the rear wall of said supporting column having an aperture formedtherethrough at both ends,

a connector plate having a planar rear portion with an aperture andidentical side wings angled therefrom and side walls'angled from saidwings,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through said sidewings, said apertures spaced corresponding to vertically spacedapertures of supporting column,

two apertures formed through the rear wall of said connectorcorresponding to apertures formed in rear wall and at the ends of thesupporting columns,

said connector being able to be inserted within the U-shapedconfiguration of two vertically abutting supporting columns, givingsupport against any movement at the juncture of the supporting columns,and

securing means received in the aperture in the rear wall of saidsupporting column and the aperture in rear wall of said connector, andsecuring said fastening clip and shelf to said supporting column torigidly secure the shelf and connector to the support column as aunitized construction.

13. In a metal shelving assembly,

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned in predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf to define a vertically extendingrecessed opening,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flanges andthe planar portion of the shelf adjacent the recessed openings,

a support column having parallel sides interconnected by rear wall in apredetermined angular relationship complementary to the ends of saidpair of flanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed in the support columndisposed in registration with said recessed opening, and

securing means including an angular clip having an aperture centrallyformed therethrough and vertically disposed tab portions formed thereonreceived in said flange and said planar portion apertures adjacent therecessed openings, and

a bolt member extending through one of the apertures of the supportcolumn and the aperture in said clip, the shank of said bolt engaging athreaded element to rigidly clamp the end of the flanges against thesupport column.

14. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned in predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening,

said flanges having an L-shaped configuration including an outer portionand a lower inwardly directed portion,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flanges andthe planar portion of the shelf adjacent the recessed openings,

a fastening clip having an aperture formed centrally therethroughincluding a body portion having wing portions extending angularlytherefrom,

a retaining tab extending from each of said wing portions and extendingupwardly from said body portion,

said fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening, said retaining tabs on said fasteningclip engaging the retaining apertures in the flanges and the retainingaperture in the planar portion of the shelf,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall in a predetermined angular relationshipcomplementary to said flanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced securing apertures formed through thejunctures of said extending side portions with the rear wall, and

a releasable securing means engaging said column and said fastening clipto rigidly clamp the ends of said pair of flanges against a side andrear wall of the support column.

15. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending peripheralopposing side flanges and end flanges terminating a spaced distance fromeach other at each corner of the shelf defining recessed openings,

said side and end flanges having an L-shaped configuration including anouter portion and a lower portion,

first retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the endflanges adjacent the recessed openings,

second retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the sideflanges adjacent the recessed openings,

third retaining apertures formed through the planar portion of the shelfadjacent the recessed openings,

a fastening clip having an aperture centrally formed therethroughincluding a body portion having wing portions extending angularlytherefrom,

a retaining tab extending from each of said wings and a retaining tabextending upwardly from said body portion,

said fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening, retaining tabs on said fastening clipengaging said first and second retaining apertures in the flanges andtheretaining aperture in the planar portion of the shelf,

support column having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall,

a plurality of vertically spaced securing apertures formed through thejunctures of said extending side portions with the rear wall, and

a nut and bolt combination, said bolt inserted through a securingaperture in the support column and the aperture in the fastening clipand threadedly engages the nut to secure the ends of the side and endflanges defining the recessed opening against the side portion and rearwall of the support column received therein.

16. In a metal shelving assembly,

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned in predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf to define a vertically extendingrecessed opening,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flanges andthe planar portion of the shelf adjacent the recessed openings,

a support column having parallel sides interconnected by a rear wall ina predetermined angular relationship complementary to said pair offlanges, said sides and rear wall having laterally spaced concaved ribsformed the length thereof,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed in the support columndisposed in registration with said recessed opening, and

securing means including an angular clip having a centrally disposedaperture formed therethrough and vertical tab portions formed thereonthat are received in said flange and said planar portion adjacent therecessed opening and a bolt member extending through one of theapertures of the support column and the aperture in said clip, the headof said bolt rotatably bearing against the outer surface of a concavedrib on said side and rear wall of the support column, and the shank ofsaid bolt engaging a threaded element to rigidly secure the shelf to thesupport column.

17. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheralflanges,

a pair of said flanges being aligned in predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening,

said flanges having an L-shaped configuration including an outer portionand a lower inwardly directed portion,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flanges andthe planar portion of the shelf adjacent the recessed openings,

a fastening clip having an aperture formed centrally therethroughincluding a body portion having wing portions extending angularlytherefrom,

a retaining tab extending from each of said wing portions and aretaining tab extending upwardly from said body portion,

'said fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening, retaining tabs on said fastening clipengaging the retainlid ing apertures in the flanges and the retainingaperture in the planar portion of the shelf,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall in a predetermined angular relationshipcomplementary to said flanges, said side portions and rear wall havinglaterally spaced concaved ribs formed the length thereof,

a plurality of vertically spaced securing apertures formed through thejunctures of said extending side portions with the rear wall, and

a nut and bolt combination, said bolt inserted through an aperture inthe support column and the fastening clip, head portion of the boltbearing against the outer surface of a concaved rib on said side portionand rear wall of the support column, and the shank of the bolt engagesthe nut to rigidly secure the shelf to the support column.

18. A metal shelving assembly comprising:

a shelf having a planar portion and a pair of depending peripheralopposing side flanges and end flanges, said side flanges and end flangesterminating a spaced distance from each other at the corners of theshelf defining recessed openings and having retaining aper tures normalto the plane of said planar portion spaced from the recessed opening,

a plurality of support columns, each having parallel outwardly extendingside walls interconnected by a rear wall with a front opening betweenthe side walls opposite the rear wall and a corner'aperture at the edgeof the back wall, one of said side walls engaging a side flange and therear wall engaging an end flange of the shelf at a corner, and

securing means securing the shelf to the support columns including abracket at each column interconnecting said flanges to span the recessedopening and having tabs engaging in said apertures and a nut and boltassembly received through said opening interconnecting the bracket andcolumn for drawing the bracket towards the support column to hold theterminal ends of the flanges in clamped abutting relationship againstsaid side and rear walls of the support column,

said one of said side walls and rear wall having parallel ribs extendingtowards each other defining shoulders supporting the bolt for rotationthereon about the axis of said corner aperture and accessible forrotation through said front opening, and said bracket including meansforpreventing rotation of said nut.

19. In a metal shelving assembly having a shelf with tubular flangeswith apertures therein and a support column with two walls at a rightangle with respect to each other,

an integral shelf retaining clip having an intermediate planar wallportion with an aperture therethrough,

an offset member forming a shoulder spaced from and facing said apertureto reinforce said intermediate portion and support a threaded elementagainst rotation concentric with said aperture,

end portions extending beyond said offset member and disposed at anangle with respect thereto and in planes normal to each other forinsertion into said flange apertures,

cam means along opposite edges of said end portions to engage saidflanges at adjacent ends of said flange slots to draw the flangestowards each other at said flange apertures during insertion in theapertures, and

means interlocking with said shelf for holding said end portions in saidflange apertures under tension established in said flanges by said endportions,

said clip on an upper part of said intermediate portion having an earinterlocking with said shelf at a point intermediate said flanges andapertures.

20. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, incombination,

an elongated upright corner post presenting a cross section defining achannel and including parallel side flanges and a connecting webportion, there being a series of vertically spaced holes in said cornerpost along the juncture region between one of the side flanges and theweb portion,

means along the edges of the side flanges for receiving a trim meanstherebetween,

rib means within said channel bordering said holes,

a generally rectangular horizontally disposed shelf having a dependingmarginal longitudinal flange extending along one longitudinal edgethereof and a depending marginal transverse flange extending along anadjacent transverse edge thereof, said depending flanges each beingformed with a narrow inturned horizontally disposed rim flange portion,

said shelf and depending flanges being cut away at a corner region ofthe shelf to receive the corner post with said one side flange of thecorner post opposing an adjacent cut end edge of the longitudinal flangeand with said web portion opposing an adjacent cut end edge of thetransverse flange,

a sheet metal corner clip disposed in said corner region of the shelf atthe horizontal level of the depending flanges and extending diagonallybetween said depending flanges a spaced distance from said corner post,

interengaging means on the opposite ends of said clip and said dependingflanges respectively for securing the clip to said depending flanges toprevent inward collapse or outward spreading of the depending flanges,there being a central opening in said clip designed for selectivehorizontal register with said vertically spaced holes in the corner postand in such register with one of said holes,

a fastening bolt element projecting through said central opening andregistering hole including means for rotating it,

a reaction nut threadedly received on said bolt, and

means to prevent rotation of said nut, said fastening bolt and nut beingselectively received in supported relationship on said rib means withthe other engaging said clip and serving to draw the corner clip andcorner post toward each other and thus clamp the corner post againstsaid adjacent end edges of the longitudinal and transverse dependingflanges.

21. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, thecombination set forth in claim and wherein said interengaging means onthe opposite ends of the clip bears against the shelf within the insideface of the vertical portion of said depending flanges and isinterengaged between the ends of the clip and the inturned rim flangeportions.

22. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, thecombination set forth in claim 20, wherein each rim flange portion isformed with a slot therein in the corner region of the shelf, andwherein said interengaging means on the opposite ends of the clip andsaid depending flanges comprises a pair of latching tongues on the clipwhich project through said slots.

23. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, thecombination set forth in claim 20 and wherein said interengaging meanson the opposite ends of the clip and said depending flanges comprisestongue and slot connections between the clip and inturned rim flangeportions, and

a pair of seating surfaces on said clip which bear against saiddepending flanges respectively at their regions of juncture with thehorizontal shelf.

24. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, incombination,

an elongated upright corner post presenting a channelshape cross sectionand including parallel side flanges and a connecting web portion, therebeing a series of vertically spaced holes in said corner post along thejuncture region between one of said side flanges and the web portion,said one side flange and web portion each being formed with alongitudinally extending internal reinforcing rib therealong, said ribsbeing spaced apart a slight distance and straddling said junctureregion,

a generally rectangular horizontally disposed shelf having a dependingmarginal longitudinal flange extending along one longitudinal edgethereof and a depending marginal transverse flange extending along anadjacent transverse edge thereof, said depending flanges each beingformed with a narrow inturned rim flange,

said shelf and depending flanges being cut away at a corner region ofthe shelf to receive the corner post with said one side flange of thecorner post opposing an adjacent cut end edge of the longitudinal flangeand with said web portion opposing an adjacent cut end edge of thetransverse flange,

a sheet'metal corner clip disposed in said corner region of the shelf atthe horizontal level of the depending flanges,

interengaging means on the opposite ends of said clip and said dependingflanges respectively for securing the clip to said depending flanges toprevent inward collapse or outward spreading of the depending flanges,there being a central opening in said clip designed for selectivehorizontal register with said vertically spaced holes in the corner postand in such register with one of said holes,

a fastening bolt projecting through said central opening and registeringhole, and

a reaction nut threadedly received on said bolt, said fastening bolt andnut being effective between said ribs and the clip and serving to drawthe clip and corner post toward each other and thus clamp the cornerpost against said adjacent cut end edges of the longitudinal andtransverse depending flanges.

25. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, incombination,

an elongated upright corner post presenting a channelshape cross sectionand including parallel side flanges and a connecting Web portion, therebeing a series of vertically spaced holes in said corner post along thejuncture region between one of said side flanges and the web portion,

said one side flange and web portion each being formed with alongitudinally extending internal reinforcing rib therealong, said ribsbeing spaced apart a slight distance and straddling said junctureregion,

a generally rectangular horizontally disposed shelf having a dependingmarginal longitudinal flange extending along one longitudinal edgethereof and a depending marginal transverse flange extending along anadjacent transverse edge thereof, said depending flanges each beingformed with a narrow inturned horizontal rim flange,

said shelf and depending flanges being cut away at a corner region ofthe shelf to receive the corner post with said one side flange of thecorner post opposing an adjacent end edge of the longitudinal flange andwith said web portion opposing an adjacent end edge of the transverseflange,

said rim flanges each being provided with a slot therein spaced a slightdistance from the end edge of the associated depending flange,

a sheet metal corner clip disposed in said corner region of the shelf atthe horizontal level of the depending flanges and including a flatvertical body portion extending diagonally between said dependingflanges, upper and lower horizontal flanges extending along the upperand lower edges respectively of said vertical body portion,

upturned tongues at the opposite ends of said lower flanges extendingvertically upwardly through said slots in the rim flanges andinterlocking therewith for securing the clip to said depending flangesand preventing inward collapse or outward spreading of the shelf insupporting relationship, there being a central opening in said bodyportion of the clip in horizontal register with one of the holes in saidcorner post,

a headed fastening bolt projecting through said central opening andregistering hole, and

a reaction nut threadedly received on said bolt, said fastening bolt andnut being effective between said ribs and the body portion of the clipand serving to to draw the clip and corner post toward each other andthus clamp the corner post against said adjacent end edges of thelongitudinal and transverse depending flanges.

26. In an adjustable knockdown sheet metal shelving unit, thecombination set forth in claim 25 wherein the head of said fasteningbolt bears against said ribs in bridging relationship and said nut bearsagainst said body portion of the clip.

27. In an adjustable knockdown metal shelving unit, the combination setforth in claim 25, wherein said holes in the corner post have atransverse dimension less than the width of the head portion bordened byribs on opposite sides that receive the shank portion of the fasteningbolt therebetween whereby the bolt may be inserted endwise through aselected hole with its head portion received in supported relation onthe bordering ribs.

28. A metal shelving assembly comprising a pair of shelves each having aplanar portion and a pair of depending peripheral opposing side fiangesand end flanges, said side flanges and end flanges terminating a spaceddistance from each other at two adjacent end corners of the shelvesdefining recessed openings,

a support column at each of said corners, each column having parallelside portions interconnected bya wall, the side flanges of the shelvesengaging opposite side portions of each support column in alignment andthe end flange interengaging the walls in parallel relationship at thecorners, and

securing means spanning a side and end flange at each shelf cornerspaced from the adjacent support coluinn for holding the shelves to thesupport columns with said side flanges endwise against said sideportions and said end flanges endwise against said wall under a stresssquaring each to the other respectively.

29. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising a shelfhaving a planar portion and a pair of depending side flanges and endflanges,

said side flanges and end flanges at each corner terminating in planaredges disposed at right angles to each other and spaced from each otherto define recessed shelf corners, said flanges having apertures thereinspaced from said planar edges,

a vertical support column having parallel side portions interconnectedby a cross wall and received in each of said recessed shelf cornersagainst the planar edges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed througheach column atthe junctures of said side portions and interconnecting wall,

a fastening clip disposed beneath the planar surface of the shelfadjacent the recessed opening at the corner thereof and terminallyengaging in said flange apertures at right angles to said flanges,

said fastening clip having an aperture intermediate said flangeengagements in alignment with one of the vertically spaced apertures inthe support column, and

releasable securing means rigidly securing the shelf to the supportcolumn interconnecting the column and fastening clip at said alignedapertures for securing the shelf flanges rigidly against said supportcolumn walls through said aperture with said planar edge under stresssquaring the flanges to the column.

30. A metal shelving assembly comprising a shelf having a planar portionand a pair of depending peripheral opposing side flanges and endflanges,

said side flanges and end flanges terminating a spaced distance fromeach other at the corners of the shelf at planar cut edges disposed at aright angle to each other defining recessed openings,

a plurality of support columns, each having parallel side portionsinterconnected by a wall,

one of said side portions engaging one of said side flanges and the wallengaging one of said end flanges of the shelf at a corner, and

securing means including a clip engaging said flanges at a distancespaced from said planar cut edges thereof to hold the shelf to thesupport columns with said side portions against said side flange planarcut edge and said end flange planar cut edge against said wall under astress squaring each to the other, respectively, in weight supportingrelationship of the shelf to the support columns.

31. A shelf retaining clip having an intermediate planar wall portionwith an aperture therethrough comprising an offset member form-ing ashoulder spaced from and facing said aperture to reinforce saidintermediate portion against forces normal thereto and hold a nutagainst rotation, end port-ions extending'beyond said offset member anddisposed at a 45 angle with respect thereto and in planes normal to eachother, and cam means along opposite edges of said end portionsterminating in notches providing retaining shoulders, one of said endportions terminating in an upstanding ear.

32. A vertically adjustable metal shelving assembly comprising a shelfhaving a planar portion and a plurality of depending peripheral flanges,

pair of said flanges being aligned in a predetermined spacedrelationship at a corner of the shelf defining a recessed opening, saidflanges having an L-shaped configuration including an outer portion anda lower inwardly directed portion,

retaining apertures formed through the lower portion of the flangesadjacent the recessed opening,

support columns having parallel outwardly extending side portionsinterconnected by a rear wall in a predetermined angular relationshipcomplementary to said flanges,

a plurality of vertically spaced apertures formed through the junctureof said extending side portions with the rear wall,

an integral shelf retaining clip having an intermediate planar wallportion with an aperture therethrough,

an offset member forming a shoulder spaced from and facing said apertureto reinforce said intermediate portion and hold a nut against rotation,

end portions extending beyond said offset member and disposed at anangle with respect thereto and in planes normal to each other forinsert-ion into said flange apertures,

cam means along opposite edges of said end portions to engage saidflanges at adjacent ends of said flange slots to draw the flangestowards each other at said flange apertures during insertion in theapertures,

means interlocking with said shelf for holding said end portions in saidflange apertures under tens-ion established in said flanges by said endportions, and

a releasable securing means engaging said column and said fastening clipto rigidly clamp the shelf to the supporting column.

33. A metal stand comprising:

a horizontal shelf having a corner and a planar portion with peripheralflanges depending therefrom and terminating a spaced distance onopposite sides thereof to define a recessed opening at said corner, saidflanges resiliently flexing towards each other when free to do so atsaid corner,

an angular support column having parallel side portions interconnectedby a rear wall, one side portion and the rear wall being disposedagainst and complementary to the ends of the depending flanges onopposite side of the recessed opening,

a plurality of vertically spaced holes through the junceach clip havingan aperture centrally formed therethrough for alignment with one of theholes in the support column including a threaded means, and

a threaded member engaged by said threaded means rigidly securing saidclip member elements in said interlocking engagement and the flange endsof the shelf flanges against a side portion and rear wall of the supportcolumn.

ReferencesCited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Wolf 5-288Tuschkan 108153 X Shannon 108153 W allance 108l56 X Anderson 108- 153Neubauer 2l1148'X Rosenberg 108109 Franks 2 11'148 Franks 189--36Pascucci 189-36 X Cohen 108 106 X Hamilton 108-111 Bartlett 108144Litteral et al. 189-36 X Squires et a1 108106 Swanson 108106 X Vetere108 107 Rojakovick '108-109 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

J. T. MCCALL, Assistant Examiner.

1. A VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE METAL SHELVING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: A SHELFHAVING A PLANAR PORTION AND A PAIR OF DEPENDING SIDE FLANGES AND ENDFLANGES, SAID SIDE FLANGES AND END FLANGES TERMINATING IN SQUARE ENDS ASPACED DISTANCE FROM EACH OTHER AT THE CORNERS OF THE SHELF TO DEFINERECESSED SHELF CORNERS, SAID FLANGES HAVING VERTICALLY ORIENTEDAPERTURES THEREIN SPACED FROM SAID SQUARE ENDS, CROSS-SECTIONALLYIDENTICAL VERTICAL SUPPORT COLUMNS HAVING PARALLEL LATERALLY EXTENDINGSIDE PORTIONS INTERCONNECTED BY A CROSS WALL RECEIVED IN SAID RECESSEDSHELF CORNERS AGAINST THE SQUARE ENDED FLANGES, A PLURALITY OF VERTICLLYSPACED APERTURES FORMED THROUGH COLUMNS AT THE JUNCTURES OF SAID SIDEPORTIONS AND INTERCONNECTING WALL. CONNECTOR MEANS FITTING INTERNALLY INTHE SUPPORTING COLUMNS FOR VERTICAL CONNECTION THEREOF END TO END INABUTTING WEIGHT BEARING RELATIONSHIP, A FASTENING CLIP DISPOSED BENEATHTHE PLANAR SURFACE OF THE SHELF ADAJACENT THE RECESSED OPENING AT THECORNER THEREOF AND TERMINALLY ENGAGING AIN SAID FLANGE APERTURES AT ARIGHT ANGLE TO SAID FLANGES, SAID FASTENING CLIP HAVING A FORMEDAPERTURE INTERMEDIATE SAID FLANGE ENGAGEMENTS IN ALIGNMENT WITH ONE OFTHE VERTICALLY SPACED APERTURES IN THE SUPPORT COLUMNS, AND RELEASABLESECURING MEANS RIGIDLY SECURING THE SHELF TO THE SUPPORT COLUMNINTERCONNECTING THE COLUMN AND FASTENING CLIP AT SAID ALIGNED APERTURESFOR SECURING THE SHELF RIGIDLY TO SAID SUPPORT COLUMN THROUGH SAIDFORMED APERTURE WITH SAID SQUARED ENDS UNDER STRESS SQUARING THE FLANGESTO THE COLUMN.